ST. REGIS FALLS — While state Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers began prescribed burns in some parts of the state last week, one Adirondack ranger helped a trio of hikers.

On Sunday, Franklin County 911 transferred a call to DEC dispatch in Ray Brook from three hikers who were unprepared for icy conditions on Azure Mountain in the town of Waverly. The three 18-year-olds were descending the mountain when they called for help, and two of them were experiencing cold stress.

A ranger responded and located the trio on the trail, and after assessing the hikers provided hand and feet warmers. The ranger escorted the three hikers down to their car.